Welcome Back- Parent Night 2011 “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Welcome Back- Parent Night 2011“It takes a village to raise a child.”

About Mrs. Sells

Background I grew up in Harmony, NC on a dairy farm Loving parents, 2 incredible sisters I am a product of Iredell Statesville Schools Student athlete & coach; bring in schedules I am married to Jonathon Sells. We have 2 very spoiled dogs, Tucker and Moose.

Education Undergraduate degree, Mathematics Concentration- University of NC at

Charlotte Masters degree, Elementary Curriculum- Appalachian State University

Professional Experience I taught 4th grade for 3 years. First year teaching 3rd grade.

'Don't go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.' Ralph Waldo Emerson

Contact Information Throughout the school day I am most available through

email: [email protected]

School phone number: 704.978.2111

School Fax Number: 704.978.2117

Please make sure you have a card with my contact information on it. I try to return all emails and phone calls within the day.

Always feel free to communicate daily through your child’s planner. Compliments and concerns will be written in there daily. Teacher and Parent are expected to sign every day.

Website: http://iss.schoolwires.com/166920813175244523/site/default.asp'It is today we must create the world of the future.' Eleanor Roosevelt

Educational Philosophy

Problem solving

Intrinsic Initiatives

Discovery/Inquiry based Instruction

Real World- 21st Century Learning

Morals and Ethics

Good citizenship

Honesty and Communication

"The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards.”-Anatole France

Supplies:

Student Supplies: Bookbag (no wheels) Flash Drive Pencils Pencil Pouch Pens (Black and Blue) Colored Pencils/Crayons Highlighter 3 Ring Binder (1.5") 1 pk of Dividers (8pk) Loose Paper 3-Journal (Spiral) (2) 2 Pocket Folders Pack of index cards Whiteboard Marker Clean Sock with name on it

Classroom Supplies: Clorox/Lysol Wipes Germ-X Ziploc Bags (any size) Kleenex (2 boxes) Tennis Balls Loose Leaf Paper Colored Copy Paper Card Stock (all colors) Magazines (child appropriate)

PLEASE NO: Bookbag with wheels Individual Pencil Sharpeners Trapper Keepers Pencil Boxes

Students are expected to come to school prepared with all the supplies they need for the day. Emergency supplies are always available, but it should not be a constant need. Please remember to check with your child on a regular basis to make sure they have everything they need.

Procedures and Policies:

Please make sure you understand classroom policies and procedures. This will help you assist your child in becoming an independent, 2st century learner.

These policies and procedures are always located on my website if you need additional copies.

There are certainly exceptions to all rules. We are human, and life happens. If you have a concern– please feel free to contact me so I am aware of the circumstances. Communication is key!

"Once children learn how to learn, nothing is going to narrow their mind. The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another." -- Marva Collins

Add Link to Policies and Procedures on website.

Grading Policy:

Grade Description Scale

A Outstanding 93-100

B Above Average 86-92

C Average 78-85

D Below Average 70-77

F Failing Below 70

Trice, A.D. (2000). Grading. In P. McGeehon (Eds.), A Handbook of Classroom Assessment. (pp.135-150). NY: Longman.

Daily Schedule:

Insert Daily Schedule

Homework: Spelling

Every week students are responsible to completing 3 spelling activities off the tic-tac-toe board.

They will staple and turn in all spelling activities on Thursday morning.

Students should study their spelling words every Thursday night.

Reading Log Students are responsible for reading 20 minutes every night

and getting their reading log signed. Reading log are to be turned in on Friday mornings.

Reading Students will have a variety of reading assignments to

complete every night. The will have time to work and finish in class. Any assignments not completed are to be finished at home.

Math Students will have a variety of math assignments to

complete every night. The will have time to work and finish in class. Any assignments not completed are to be finished at home.

Students homework will be written in their planner daily. Parents should sign daily. Graded work will come home on Thursday.

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." – Benjamin Franklin

How can you help your child this year?

READ! READ! READ! A huge indicator of children’s academic success is how much time parents spend reading with their child.

Multiplication Facts- They will need them this year and are crucial in 4th grade math. Study them nightly. I promise it will pay off in the long run.

Talk to your children- Ask them daily: “What did you learn today?” , “Tell me about your book.” ,“Can you solve this problem for me?”

Stay Involved- Children that know their parents are involved with their education will achieve greater heights of knowledge.

E.O.G Preparation- Don’t wait until the last minute. Use online resources. Talk about the test. Educate yourself.

Resources: My website: http://

iss.schoolwires.com/166920813175244523/site/default.asp

DPI (Department of Public Instruction) website: http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/

EOG Samples:

Math: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/eog/sampleitems/newcurmath3

Reading: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/eog/sampleitems/reading

EOG Prep Resources: http://mail.clevelandcountyschools.org/~ccselem/029E8B7A-00870B98?Plugin=Loft

Questions:

Please let me know if you have any questions. I am always willing to help in any way I can.

Please leave feedback on the half sheets of paper. Things that you liked or were helpful on the + side, things that you do not like or are unclear of on the side.

I appreciate your time and effort in making this year successful for your child!

NOTE: I have extra “beginning of the year” forms if you need them